Buyer safety
Are “We Buy Houses” Companies Legitimate?
The genuine ones are legitimate — funded companies that buy directly, complete in 7–28 days at 75–85% of market value, and charge no fees. But a large share of “we buy houses” adverts are lead brokers (who resell your enquiry) or use predatory tactics (inflated offers cut near exchange, lock-in contracts). Proof of funds and NAPB/TPO membership are how you separate the real from the rest.
What is your property worth?
Get genuine offers from checked & vetted buyers.
- Verifyindependently
- In writingoffer + terms
- Comparebefore you decide
What “legitimate” looks like
A real buyer proves funds, is an NAPB and TPO member, gives a written offer it won’t reduce, covers your legal fees and never charges you. It welcomes you using your own solicitor.
The red flags
No proof of funds, an offer near market value that later drops, pressure to sign a lock-out or option agreement, upfront fees, and no redress-scheme membership. See sell-house-fast scams.
Sell safely
Compare several vetted buyers and verify each on Companies House and Trustpilot. Ready Steady Sell only forwards your details to buyers that pass these checks. See how to spot a genuine cash buyer.
Don’t accept a lowball offer for your home
Compare genuine cash offers and investor options in minutes — free, no obligation, no fees.
Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
Are “we buy houses” companies a scam?
The genuine ones aren’t — they’re funded, NAPB/TPO-registered and transparent. The risks come from lead brokers and predatory tactics. Proof of funds and membership checks separate the real from the rest.
How do I know a house-buying company is legitimate?
Confirm proof of funds, NAPB and TPO membership, a written non-reducible offer and no upfront fees, and check Companies House and independent reviews.